Description

Long, intimidating, exciting. The West Face, even at 5.5, scares people off regularly. It's probably because the rock is worst, and steepest at the very beginning of the route. By no means would I say, "Don't worry about that, it gets safer". If you are frightened by the start, don't go on. But if 5.5X sounds alright, this is a great route. Perhaps the only 5.5X in the Marsupials that can compete with it is the South Buttress of Brogan (ha ha). But seriously, if you can abide with the runouts, this route is really fun. It's got almost entirely solid rock (just keep an eye out and you'll see the bad stuff), really fun moves, and great position. What's more, it's a long route, and ends on a cool summit.

It is a bit odd calling it a trad route, because it has no gear, and pretty much the only protection is provided by bolts, but then, I would never describe it as a sport route.

Location

The West Face of Brogan starts by the notch at the downhill side of the Spire. The easiest descent (I think): Descend via the Cave Route by rapping off the summit. Rap again down the corner of the Cave Route's second pitch. Pass through the hole of the Cave Route, walk fifty feet across flat ground, and set up one more short rappel to the ground. A single 60 will get you down this way.

Protection

You won't need much. Pretty much just stuff to clip into the bolted anchors, and the (very) occasional bolt along the way. Bring nuts for the last section leading to the summit.

Did this route yesterday. Not really sure about the X rating on this route. Protects relatively well. For sure an R rating. Definitely some long runouts but there is the occasional gear placement. I placed about 5 pieces in the first, mega 250 foot pitch, the last 90 feet of which were unexposed low 5th class. Didnt quite make it to the anchors with a 70m rope, but had a massive BFR to belay off just before the anchors atop Smash the Silence. The second pitch to the top of brogan protected well down low and then got quite thin before the most difficult move to the summit. Would recommend taking tricams for the pockets along the whole route. In total I placed a green alien, a gray alien, red and brown tricams, one #0.5 camalot, two #1 camalots, and one #2 camalot. Wished for a second #2 camalot and bigger tricams. This is the only route I have ever wished for bigger tricams in 15 years of climbing!! Definitely not a route for the 5.5 leader out there. Should be comfortable with long runouts and futzing in bad gear in an alpine rock like environment. All in all an outstanding day out with, nobody around until we got to Living Blindly.